Isabela Town Mayor Irene Montilla opposed the idea of temporary ceasefire between the government and communist rebels during the Yuletide season.
Montilla believed the peace treaty will not work based on the experience of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the previous years when the government declared unilateral ceasefire with the rebel groups.
“Rebels take advantage of this peace treaty to regroup and then to attack, so I am with them (AFP) when they say they do not believe in the peace treaty,” said Montilla.
The town mayor, however, thanked that there are little to no reports of harassment of the small planters and farmers since the start of milling season in their municipality.
Meanwhile, Montilla said their municipal government has continued efforts on bringing services to their constituents.
The town mayor said, “On our part, what we do is we are trying to bring the government to the people,” such as conducting medical missions, operation ‘tuli’, and anti-rabies vaccines among others.
She also acknowledged the help of the Philippine National Police, private sector, provincial government , and other local government units in realizing the programs of the municipality.
